Ultramarathon Transylvania 100 km
12. 06. 2018
This tough ultramarathon took place for the fifth time this year. Athletes from 43 countries were enrolled in the 100 km long track.
The route of the race with its steep climbs and snowfields is very difficult and, moreover, the weather here is unpredictable. Another obstacle on the track may be the high number of stray or pastoral dogs, and, in some rare cases, even bears.
The race begins at Dracula's Castle in Bran at 5:00 in the morning. The route leads straight to the mountains, where dangerous places come in the form of steep climbs up a couloir (53 % slope), in the icy snow, with blizzards and storms.
This year, we had luck with the weather. At the higher altitude (2000 meters above sea level), snow and heavy rain with lightning accompanied us for the rest of the route. Fortunately, the organizers counted on these adverse conditions. Each participant was required to wear warm and waterproof clothing that keeps you active under these conditions. The waterproof gloves saved me and I did not pull them off throughout the whole race.
The entire route is planned along marked tracks, but you can but dream of comfortable tracks. You have to overcome grassy meadows, snowfields and rocks on route but what an adventure it is!
Unfortunately, as it is often the case in the mountains, GPS and phone signals are very weak, so one cannot avoid some wanderings and extensions of the route. I extended the overall route by more than 10 km, but it has not stopped me in the fight for the top position.
I won a nice 3rd place and left a lot more advanced rivals behind on paper. I am very satisfied with my first ultramarathon of the season!
Now I must regenerate, and, in less than a month, to France for another ultra adventure. I hope that brings an even greater result.
